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  • Published: 23 April 2014
  • ISBN: 9781743486115
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook

Conrad Cooper's Last Stand




Conrad Cooper has just decided that Tane, the god of the forest, is the perfect guy to solve his problems. Leonie Agnew's Conrad Cooper's Last Stand is a surprising, brave and award-winning novel for young readers.

Winner of the Esther Glen Medal for Junior Fiction 2015
Storylines Notable Book Award 2015
 
'Conrad Cooper is the most lovable fictional character I have come across since Frankie Parsons in The 10pm Question . . . Agnew is an astounding writer . . . Everybody should read this, no matter what age.' Sarah Forster, We Love Books
'Agnew keeps the balance just right with humour and heart.' North & South 
'The story has integrity . . . Agnew's characterisation, relationships and dialogue are spot-on, and very funny'. Judges' report, LIANZA Children and Young Adult Book Awards
 
Dear Tane, I've never prayed to a god, so hope this is okay. If I get it wrong, don't strike me down with a thunderbolt or anything - I'm just a kid.
Conrad Cooper needs a favour. He's just found out about Tane, the god of the forest, and he's decided that Tane is the perfect guy to solve his family problems. After all, the more high-profile gods probably have huge waiting lists, right? In return, Conrad will do anything to repay Tane, no matter how much trouble it causes. But will a Maori god listen to the prayers of a ten-year-old Pakeha boy? And, worse still, does Tane even exist?
Set in 1978 against the Bastion Point occupation, Conrad Cooper's Last Stand is junior fiction full of humour but with a powerful core. Award-winning author Leonie Agnew has created a surprising, brave and completely engaging novel for young readers.

  • Published: 23 April 2014
  • ISBN: 9781743486115
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook

About the author

Leonie Agnew

Leonie Agnew may or may not be living in South America with a poodle named Juan. She informs us that her days are spent drinking sangrias and teaching Juan how to bark in Spanish, while trading sombreros on the black market via her iPad. However, our sources have located her in Auckland, New Zealand. They claim she is an award-winning children's author, a former copywriter, and currently moonlights as a primary school teacher. It is possible she has a tendency to make things up. This is called lying, unless you write it down – then it is pleasantly referred to as being an author.

Also by Leonie Agnew

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Praise for Conrad Cooper's Last Stand

Conrad Cooper is the most lovable fictional character I have come across since Frankie Parsons in The 10pm Question. He is naïve and inventive, and you are irresistibly drawn into his world by Leonie Agnew . . . There are a lot of reasons to recommend this book. Conrad's search for answers about God and faith are universal, and a reaction to the way he feels about his home life. Both of these are things very rarely dealt with in junior fiction. This book is also very entertaining, as you'd expect from a narrative which is like a letter to Tane, while also delivering some really huge messages. Everybody should read this, no matter what age.

Booksellers NZ Blog

Agnew keeps the balance just right with humour and heart.

North & South

The story has integrity . . . issues are handled with sensitivity, and insight. Agnew's characterisation, relationships and dialogue are spot-on, and very funny . . . Many young readers will relate to Conrad's difficulties, his indomitable spirit, and to the family problems dealt with here; this important book will extend their understandings and provide opportunities for discussion.

Judges' Report, LIANZA Children and Young Adult Book Awards

Although serious in topics, this book is humorous and compelling to read.

Waikato Times

This would be an excellent classroom study book.

Otago Daily Times

The playground antics will appeal to children and there are many issues to discuss in a classroom situation or within a family. It's a really good story.

Gisborne Herald